Fruity Gelatin Gummies

These are a family favorite and a kid-approved healthy snack in my house. When I am not making Elderberry Gummies, this recipe is my go-to for a gut-supportive, nutrient-dense snack. I also love that it takes maybe 5-10 minutes to prep. I love incorporating gelatin into my family’s diet this way. Gelatin is a protein product derived from collagen and besides being super nourishing for the digestive tract, there is evidence that it plays role in joint health and brain function, and may improve the appearance of skin and hair. It is flavorless and colorless and when it dissolves in warm water and takes on a jelly-like texture as it cools.

Makes about 18 gummies

Ingredients:

• 8 Ounces organic unsweetened 100% fruit juice (I like the Santa Cruz, Lakewood, and RW Knudson brands)*

• Options: I like to mix it up and even mix juices within the gummy, 4 ounces each, my favorites include pineapple, pomegranate, tart cherry, blueberry, and orange

• 1/4 cup grass-fed gelatin (I like Great Lakes, Further Foods, and Perfect Supplements)

• 1 tbsp raw honey (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine syrup, juice, and gelatin in a medium saucepan.

2. Heat to medium and stir well until gelatin is completely combined.

3. Add echinacea drops and honey if included and stir again.

4. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into silicone molds or a square baking dish.

5. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set.

6. Pop them out of the molds or cut them into square inch pieces.

7. Store in refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Enjoy!!!!

*Juices to try for different flavors and their benefits:

• Orange juice - high in vitamin c, supportive of adrenals (stress) and immunity

• Pineapple or papaya - contains enzymes that are digestion and inflammation supportive

• Tart cherry - supportive of melatonin production/sleep and inflammation

• Pomegranate - high antioxidant content support brain health, inflammation, and sleep
  
  
  

Round up: EASY Fermented Foods

Humans have prepared fermented foods and vegetables for many years, long before modern preservation methods like refrigeration came about. We know that fermented foods were a part of most, if not all native diets. While many cultures today still incorporate these foods into their diets regularly, in some parts of the world preparing ferments has become a lost practice.

Fermenting may seem daunting but it is actually really easy. If you are buying fermented foods regularly, you can save quite a bit of money by making them yourself. If you have yet to introduce fermented foods into your diet, what are you waiting for? Most of them taste really great (albeit a bit tangy!). There are some amazing health benefits to eating a diet rich in fermented foods:

• Aids in digestion

• Are loaded with beneficial enzymes, B-vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics

• Supports your immune system

• May help to curb sugar cravings

• Promotes growth of healthy bacteria in the gut

• Increases flavor of foods

Here are my best tips for success. Most of the recipes below go into some good detail to set you up properly as well:

Materials: glass and ceramic jars work the best. I like the classic glass Ball jars and use them for most everything I ferment. I have different sizes glasses depending on what I am fermenting. You may also want to invest in some supplies, Here are my favorite lids and weights.

Preparation: for vegetable ferments, clean your produce well of dirt and grime to ensure a successful fermentation process. Also, buy organic when possible to ensure that the produce has not come into contact with pesticides.  

When to stop: leave your ferment alone for the time suggested. Trust the process and only check on the ferment if absolutely necessary – like if you see mold. This is a risk for ferments, but it is easy to spot and deal with, usually. Black and bright pink are typically mold, while white is generally ok except when it is “fuzzy”.  Often times you can scrape off the mold and move on. If the mold is throughout the ferment its best to throw out and start over.

Here are my go-to, easy recipes:

Coconut Yogurt

https://minimalistbaker.com/easy-2-ingredient-coconut-yogurt/

Kimchi

https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-easy-kimchi-at-home-189390

Saurkraut

https://www.ahealthybalance.net/recipes/2017/8/9/easy-saurkraut

Fermented Whole Radishes

https://www.mountainfeed.com/blogs/learn/fermented-whole-radishes

Quick Pickled Red Onion (not truly a ferment, but I love this recipe)

http://www.rickbayless.com/recipe/pickled-red-onions/

Fermented Salsa

https://wellnessmama.com/2643/fermented-salsa/

Fermented Beets with Cumin and Basil

https://thestingyvegan.com/spiralized-fermented-beets/

Fermented Pickles

https://www.farmhouseonboone.com/farmhouse-on-boone/the-easiest-way-to-make-homemade-pickles-from-all-those-extra-garden-cucumbers/

Gut-Friendly Berry Gummies

Author: Stephanie Selinger

Prep time: 15 minutes

Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 heaping cup of your choice of blueberries or raspberries or a blend of the two

• 4 lemons (or 2/3 cup lemon juice)

• 1/4 cup of unflavored, grass fed gelatin

• 1-3 tablespoons raw honey or maple syrup (depends on if you want tart or slightly sweet gummies; can be omitted entirely)

Directions:

1. Place berries into small saucepan and heat over medium until berries pump up and liquid is bubbling (around 8 minutes).

2. Let the mixture cool slightly and move to blender. Add the juice of all four lemons and honey or sweetner if using.

3. Blend until smooth; add the gelatin and blend again.

4. Pour into silicone candy molds or a 9x9 baking dish and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes. Once they are set you can remove from the molds or cut up into squares. They will store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.